Editorial Review

IlluStory is a multi-award winning kit that lets you write and illustrate your very own professionally typeset, hardbound book! This kit includes markers and special book pages for creating an original story that is mailed to the publisher in the postpaid envelope provided. Each book features up to 12 pages with 20 typeset words, and includes a Title page, Dedication page and a special "About-the-Author" page. The author's name, book title and illustration are laminated onto the cover. You have your choice of six cover colors to choose from. Additional reproductions and rush service are optional. The IlluStory kit now offers an Internet production option that includes online drawing tools and allows for more words per page, a choice of font styles and colors, and faster delivery times at no extra cost. IlluStory has won many prestigious awards such as the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award; Dr. Toy Best Toy Award; Parents' Choice Classic Award and the Family Life's Best Learning Toy Award. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Watch out -- only limited text is allowed!
Beware! -- this kit only allows 20 words per page and only contains 12 pages. I returned it because I wanted something where my 10-yr-old neice could write a short story.
(I think this is why it's recommended for ages 5-9.)

EXTREMELY GREAT PRODUCT!
We ordered these for our children for last year's Christmas, it was about the best thing they've ever recieved! It challenged them to come up with their very own story, using thier imagination and when the books arrived, they were so proud! They gave a copy of their books to thier teachers at school and copies to thier Grandparents. We will be ordering more of these for the kids and also to have on hand for birthday parties, or other gift giving occasions involving kids. I highly recommend these.

AWESOME
This was a gift to our 5 year old son for his birthday and the finished product is going under the Christmas tree for grandparents this year.What a wonderful and creative idea.My son had so much fun creating his story and we spent a lot of quality time together in the process. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Arts and Crafts    3. Learning    4. Drawing    5. Markers    6. Paper Crafts   

Features

• Choose from a huge cast: Luigi, Peach, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Wario and many more
• Link the game with eight other players using a broadband adapter and race each other
• For 1-8 players
• Kart racing game featuring classic Nintendo characters
• Pick a partner and race through wild courses as you compete in tough circuits

Reviews (228)

One of the Most Replayable Games of Recent Years
Mario Kart Double Dash!! is one of the most phenomenal video games ever made; a game that makes me fondly remember what video games used to be.
Firstly, for Mario Kart veterans (who I am sure have already picked this game up), this is the most unique game in the series.Two racers now occupy each car.The racer in front steers while the character in back handles weapons and attacks (you can punch nearby players now and steal their weapons).If you play single-player, you control both characters, stearing and firing weapons, while a single tap of the 'Z' button will switch character positions.This comes in handy, since each character can carry a weapon, while only the character in back can use them.So, if the driver has a banana or a shell you want to fire, and the character in back has nothing, tap 'Z' and switch positions in an instant, without slowing down your car at all.
Because of the two-character mechanic, there are now two types of weapon boxes that you drive through to recieve your weapon: single boxes give only the character in the back of the car a weapon - so if the charcater in back is already carrying one, switch the charcater's positions when you drive through a single weapon box so that both your racers will now carry a weapon.Double weapon boxes give each racer on the kart a weapon, (if one charcater is already carrying one, the other racer will recieve a weapon regardless).In single-player, if both characters have a weapon, and the one in back fires theirs, the characters automatically switch positions on the car, so the character with the remaining weapon is instantly ready to fire.
In multi-player, you have a few options.Each player can control their own car and both characters on it, or you can each pick one character to race on the same car.If you choose the latter, both players will have to push 'Z' simultaneosly to switch positions on the car.So, if one player prefers driving, and the other prefers handling the weapons, you can stay that way the entire race, since the characters will not automatically switch positions (instead, the player in front can tap the fire button to toss his weapon to the player in back when they are empty-handed).Multiplayer is incredibly addicting; especially (surprise) in battle mode, which makes a welcome return.For players used to ballon battle from Mario Kart 64, the levels in Double Dash will seem small at first (though you can unlock a few more, one of which is bigger), but give balloon battle a chance.It is incredibly addictive, and nothing is more satisfying than hitting your opponent with an expertly timed shot of a green shell from across a level.(There are also two new battle modes this time around, but I found balloon battle to be the most enjoyable.)
One thing that surprised me was the game's difficulty.The learning curve is perfect, with three difficulty levels as usual, 50cc, 100 cc and 150cc racing modes.But for a Nintendo game, 150cc proved fairly difficult, which was a welcome challenge.Computer opponents are smart on 150cc mode, but make similar mistakes to the ones you'll find yourself making.They win races not by cheating (like in other games), but by firing weapons at strategic moments in the race, or using power slides around turns (do it correctly and you'll get a mini speedy boost at the end of the power slide).So, regardless of how far ahead you may be on 150cc mode, one simple error can prove devestating.On the flip side, if you are behind, one great, well timed shot can be all you need to take the lead.The gameplay is expertly balanced, and there is even strategy involved now in selecting your team and your car, since different players and cars have varying weights and pros and cons.Plus, each character has a unique special weapon.
In addition, the course design, as usual in the Mario Kart series, is flawless.Every course is unique, and you'll develop strategies for approaching each one.Moreover, the graphics are sharp, bright and colorful.Each course and each character has their own personality.
The replay value is infinite.There are plenty of unlockables in single-player, inlcuding new characters, courses (racing and battle), cars, and game modes.Once everything is unlocked, multiplayer alone will keep you coming back for more, not to mention besting your best course times in time trial mode.
This game is a great reminder of what used to make games great - gameplay and replayability, not graphics, physics or online modes.This is a brilliantly crafted game, a game that will appeal to all ages, both genders, gamers and non-gamers alike.
A true classic!

great
this game isfunbutit is greatwithbudies

Good game.
This game is pretty fun and has pretty decent things to do and awesome cars!!! The courses are great to!! I love playing this game with my friends and kicking their butts!!!! Lol. I love this game!!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Gamecube (Game Cube, Game-cube)    3. Action    4. Adventure    5. Racing    6. Flying   

Reviews (18)

Reveiw on Trampline
I think this toy is a fun one but if your are going to spend that much on it you are waisting your money. You could make on for even less money.

Great for my family
We received this trampoline as a gift.Since we have never owned one before, this particular kind is perfect for my family.There is plenty of bounce for first timers.It was relatively easy for us to set up, though we did need a rubber mallet to bang together some of the frame pieces.We are planning to purchase enclosure for the added safety and also the cover to add to the longevity of the surface.My kids love it and will get a great deal of use out of it.I cannot comment on the durability over time as we just got the trampoline a few days ago.

Warning!
Do not buy this trampoline. I got it for my 12th birthday. I thought that the bands would go just as high as the springs, but they did not come close.It was really fun at first, but then it started breaking down, and I only weigh 100 lbs. The welded metal that holds the legs to the trampoline breaks, and you have to buy replacements at Variflex.com for ridiculous prices. Also the parts take about two months to come. Do not buy this product. I recommend a Jumpking. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Play   

Reviews (10)

Made for "Little Guys"
Bought this as a First Scooter for my 6 year old boy.Picture shows a boy that appears the same size as my son, however, once we got it, just before Christmas, and opened the box to set it up under the tree, discovered that it is quite small.Although it appears well made and sturdy, it is more appropriate for a 2 or 3 year old.

Mom of 2 boys
Our 4 year old received this for his birthday and he has not stayed off it..he absolutely loves it!! Our 20 month old also tries to ride it, but he is a bit too little, so we are going to go find him one suited a little more to his size. We are very inpressed with the quality, considering how inexpensive it is. We highly recommend this to anyone who has a very active child!! Our son has been riding it around in the house since it is a bit cold out still. We also need to purchase some safety gear before he rides it outside. Great scooter!!

Amazon shipping = highway robbery
First of all, this scooter is great! My 4 1/2 year old son loves it and it has helped with his balance and coordination. In addition, he loves playing outdoors even more than he used to.

I am disappointed at Amazon's attempt to charge $11.00+ in shipping in handling! The item is priced $24.99. IF Amazon would charge only one penny more...shipping would be free! Sure, $24.99 is a great advertised price, considering everyone else is selling this exact same scooter for $29.99, but as a matter of principle, I refuse to pay outrageous shipping costs.

Sorry, Amazon...you lost a sale.

Albert ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Scooters   

Reviews (17)

great game
This is a wonderful game for children and adults.I introduced it to my adolescent special education class and to their delight they were competitive with peers and adults.Thisis because it challenges visual and spatial parts of the brain.
It fits instructional objectsfor sustained attention, pattern recognition and spatial discrimination.No two games are alike.The students love the web site (...)where they play against the computer.

Simple to Learn and FUN!
My son (9 years old) saw this at the "teacher's store" by us and it's always sold out so he had to wait to get it. Boy was it worth the wait!He loves it! And we love it!All of his friends play and it's so easy to learn.The better you get at it, the more challenging the game.I'd recommend this to anyone!It's not a game that will sit on the shelf.

Creative Educational Game for the Family
My 5 year old son received this game as a present from my sister.I also have a 6 1/2 year old son.The two of them put down their gameboys and played this game with us over and over for two hours. We've had the game for a week now and they are still asking to play.It's a great introduction to building strategies and using their spacial abilities.The rules are simple and the game itself goes fairly quickly which is great since my kids have a hard time sitting still for long.If I had seen this at the store I probably would never have considered it, but I would recommend it to everyone now that we have played it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Learning    3. Strategy Games    4. Activity   

Editorial Review

Getting young children interested in toy trains is a wonderful way to teach as well as to have a lot of fun. By playing with train sets, young minds learn how to fit things together, how transportation works, how cities and communities are created, all the while enhancing their imagination through pretend play. This sizable and table kit features a smooth, easy to clean melamine surface on the top with convenient storage compartment underneath. The 83-piece train set sports a wide variety of train cars plus buses, police cars, dump trucks, and other vehicles to operate on the pieces of road, which are included in addition to the track. Filling stations, gates, buildings, bridges, and other modular components add to the magic. Since all the pieces fit together so handily, young train enthusiasts can spend hours designing their own sprawling networks and configurations. We liked how complete this set is and how handily it all stores when playtime is done. Compatible with Thomas the Tank Engine and Brio train sets. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (19)

table and train set ... a great value
We priced the expensive name brand tables and train sets well into the $500 range.This table and train set is really great.Besides being reasonably priced, it comes with everything that is pictured.Within 1/2 hr. we had a great sturdy table, with a track set up and a small village to go with it!We have kids ages 3,5,9 and they all enjoy it.Grandma and Grandpa are pitching in a few Thomas pieces to inhance it, but it really isn't necessary.This is a really great value, good quality, easy assembly, don't really have any complaints.I'm sure it will provide many hours of fun for our gang!

My 2yo's favorite toy
We got my son this set after many meltdowns when we would leave toy and model stores.He usually played with Thomas but it was just too expensive.When we found this one hidden behind a bin, we knew we had to get it.However, we lost the directions after one week but still had the picture from the box.I searched and searched for directions online about how to put the tracks back together - but couldn't find any.Using the picture and my memmory - this is what I came up with.I don't know if its right - but it works.There are a total of 28 pieces.
4 short curves; 8 long curves
2 short, solid rams; 2 long ramps
2 switches; one rail road crossing (with flashing lights and sound)
2 short, straight; 4 medimum straight
2 long, straight; one overpass
Start with the cirle that goes over the lake.Place the switch on the long side near the lake, large ramp (up and on the red things), long curve,(these connect on the second red thing) long curve,(connecting large red things)large ramp, short curve long curve, small ramp (up), overpass, small ramp (down), medimum strait, medimum straigt, short curve, switch, long straight, long curve, long curve, short straight, short straight.You are now back to the switch you placed first and will begin with the inside circle.long curve, rail road crossing, long straight, short curve, short curve, medium straight, medimum striaght.You are now back to the second switch.Now your kids can take it apart again.

k.young
After pricing train tables for the last month I am so happy to have found this one. I put it together myself in less than a half hour. The price was great and it came with a bonus set of train pieces. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Train Set Accessories    2. Vehicles    3. Trains    4. Train Accessories   

Reviews (49)

My 9 year old son LOVES these toys!!!
I ran into Toys R Us on Christmas Eve last year to find another toy for my son (I wanted him to have a certain amount) and saw these on an end display. I bought a box, wrapped it, and put it under the tree.
He absolutely LOVED playing with these. So did his siblings. They spent hours and hours for weeks making all kinds of cool concoctions. We have since added several more sets to our family.
I came here today to buy a set for a birthday this weekend for a 13 year old family friend who still enjoys building things.
Great toy!!

magnetix is roseart!
100 pieces is a perfect way to build stuff but mixed with the magnetix magnetic building set 70 pieces It's a extreme perfect way to build stuff!When i opened the magnetix magnetic building set(70 pieces) i was shocked.When i opened the magnetix x-treme combo carying case (100 pieces)i was shocked even more!
With the magnetix i can build a sword a boat a 3d triangle a 3d dimond a 3d sqrare a house a dinosar a crazy design a trap and a big playset. If we didn't have roseart we wouldn't be creative!So be smart think roseart and buy magnetix today.

magnetix extreme combo 150 pc. case - where is it?
I have to agree with sbrown.I don't beleive Toys R Us ever had this product.I too, went to the store every day for four days.I was told that this was a "TOYS R US" exclusive and could not be purchased anywhere else.At least I got a rain check for the advertised price but here it is four (4) days after Christmas and still they have NO magnetix toys availabe.I got mine from Super Target the day before Christmas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Activity    4. Blocks   

Features

• Add new characters, new maps, and exciting new levels with online content downloads
• Includes Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge (Rated T)
• Track your stats and rankings against others with your own unique ID number -- the GamerTag
• Get connected anywhere people are playing Xbox games
• Talk up your skills and challenge your buddies with the Xbox Communicator, then strategize for future games

Reviews (16)

The greatest online invention ever to hit consoles!!!!!!!!!!
This is the greatest thing I have ever seen. Xbox live is a great way to take your gaming online because it works with numerous amounts of games and is something you can never get bored with. A little too much, but every penny is worth it. The new revolutionary way of communicating over the internet is phenomenal. People actually talking into a headset together while they are playing.

More features about xbox live is the fact you can create a gamers tag, which is just any silly name that pops into your head with also an optional voice sensor. This allows your voice to sound anything you want it to. It is the coolest and funniest thing alive.

The people online are very friendly and helpful, but sometimes you get those people who do not give a dang about rookies. People who just bought this item; stay absolutely away from Halo 2 for right now. The people in the multiplayer matches will slaughter you in seconds. Take it from me. One minute the enemy is vanished and the next minute they are wacking you over the head with their gun.

You have the choice of a yearly renewal or monthly. Im not sure how much the monthly is, but the yearly is fiftly bucks, which is well worth it.

There is only one slight problem with xbox live. If you do not have internet connection from the room you are playing in, then it may become costly. You would have to get a game adapter, a wireless modem, and a bunch of other connections. This alone boosts the price up to somewhere you cannot afford.

All in all, this product is fabulous and recommend it to people who feel lonely playing with AI all the time. Isn't time for another challenge. Maybe someone that is actually real and can be more of a challenge.

You decide.

This RULES but bundle with a new game already, PLEASE!
Before I get to all the good stuff.It would be nice if XBOX bundled with a different game already!!!We all have that game, we all need another headset, we all need to renew.So bundle with a new game!(I realize this needs to be said to XBOX not Amazon, but they probably read these reviews.)

XBOX Live is the greatest thing that ever happened to video games!You will find your self not even finishing games because online play is so much fun and addicting.No matter how sophisticated developers make the ai, it can never compare to human intelligence and challenge.After playing online you will go back to the game campaign with new skill.Xbox live adds an infinite amount of life to games.Some games have a much more advanced Live experience then others, ie. Halo2 with matchmaking and ranking systems, that really adds to the experience and playability.

Guarantee...You will spend way too much time playing Live!The house could catch fire and you will not put the controller down.You will find yourself thinking about yesterdays matches while you should be thinking about your work/school.You will be so wired, sleeping is just not an option.Your sex life will go down the tubes, unless she plays Live with you (let her win, and don't tell her she sucks.)You will forget you have kids.Dinner, what for?What day is it? Yes this will happen to you.

Be aware (in all games) for cheaters and those that taunt, swear and spray racist comments.This is a problem with the Human race not XBOX Live.Some people can really get carried away and ruin the experience for all of us.

An online multiplayer revolution for Xbox!
A multiplayer revolution has arrived on Xbox. Xbox Live!

When i first got Xbox live i thought that it would be a hassle to set up. I was totally wrong. In a matter of ten minutes it all set up and ready to play.

All you basically have to do is ask your parents or if you are a parent, you have to type in your credit card number. You then have to fill out a lot of personal information about yourself, which might feel uncomfortable, but it is actually perfectly safe and is well worth it.

Xbox Live might also be a little bit pricy as it can add up to over $150 if you need a wireless router also including the headset and subscription card. But one thing i think people are unsure about is if you really do need to pay a certain amount of money per month. Heres how it goes.

If you buy the subscription card, once it runs out you can either go by another year long subscription card OR start paying for it per month. If you buy a subscription card, you do not have to pay $6 per month, so it actually ends up being a good deal.

As far as the performance of Xbox Live, i think it is amazing and truely worth your money. Most of the games now a days support the Xbox Live feature. You can also download content onto games via Xbox Live. Trash talking your opponents is awesome and hilarious also, all though they get ticked off if you do it to much, so its not recommended all the time. But i was also surprised in how good the communicator headset quality was in terms of hearing and talking to people. However, the headset can break easily if you step on it making it sometimes a money waster.

You can also have a friends list where you can list all of your friends. Any time you want you can message them or invite them to a game which can make it much more fun also.

One problem with Xbox Live is that it can lag/disconnect depending on which game you are playing. If you are playing games like Mortal Kombat Deception, it can disconnect quite freqently which can get very annoying. Lag appears on almost every game you play once in a while. But on the other hand games like Halo 2 and Mech Assault are almost perfect in terms of it not disconnecting or lagging, so it all depends on which game you are playing.

Xbox Live requires a High speed or broadband internet service, cable or DSL modem, Ethernet cord, subscription to Xbox Live and a game that is Xbox Live-enabled.

You can simply quick quick match which throws you into any customized game no matter what game you are playing, or you can customize the rules that you want by pressing a on optimatch. I prefer optimatch in my opinion.

The last problem with Xbox live is that once you create a gamertag, you are stuck with that one for the rest of your subscription until you make a new one. This can be a problem if you start to go off your gamertag and are desperate for another. But that is hardly an issue to complain about as the high performance and great quality makes up for that.

In conclusion, Xbox Live is a must have for all Xbox Console owners. I got it, and straight after my friends realized how fun it was, and they loved it as well and bought it within a week!
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Cables (Cable)    5. Adapters (Adapter)    6. Controllers   

Editorial Review

I must confess to a compete lack of objectivity when it comes to the Green Machine. It is hands-down the most fun toy I have ever tried. Basically a re-make of the original Green Machine of decades past, this one has the same lever controlled, rear-wheel steering that allows for crazy hairpin turns, and spectacular spin-outs. Only this time the frame is a bit more sturdy, and the front tire is made of sturdy rubber(the rear tires, alas, are still of old school hollow plastic construction and are destined to wear out far too soon).A few important caveats: though highly maneuverable, this is one set of wheels you will want kids to keep far, far from traffic; cool spinouts also mean uncool wipe-outs, so you should consider having your child wear the same safety gear normally used for rollerblading; and the sometimes iffy brakes need to be carefully adjusted before use.--David Stoesz ... Read more

Features

• Strong steel construction
• Dual-joysitck, rear-wheel steering
• 20-in rubber front tire for traction
• Freewheel front wheel
• Front-wheel hand brake

Reviews (68)

around the block
I am a 10 year old girl and I got the Green Machine for Christmas. At first I thought it was for a younger child, but then my Dad set the green machine up in the basement. I found myself fliping and turning and going so fast, I couldn't get off! In march I took it outside and the doorbell kept on ringing!All the neighbors wanted to try it(including adults). The Green Machine teaches levers and pulleys with the handles, I kept on experimenting with the brakes. The seat started getting a white crack mark on it, after my dad rode on it alot. It has a nice metal frame and can hold about 180 pounds. I ride the Green machine at least2 hours every week! It will never get boring, it's funner than a bike!The neighbors liked it so much that now there are 4 of them spinning around.

We Love the Green Machine
This is a great toy.I am 7 and I Love it.My sister is 9 and she is ordering hers now.

Disappointment Machine
We bought this for my 6 year old son for Christmas. He got about 4 or 5 good hours of use out of it before the pedals spun but the wheel didn't move. We brought it back to Sports Chalet where we bought it. The repairmen couldn't fix it because it has a fairly unconventional pedal system. Then we learned that Huffy has discontinued this bike. So there are no parts or replacements available. I would not recommend this toy for anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ride-Ons    2. Preschool    3. Sports    4. Extreme Sports   

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA   

Reviews (9)

FABULOUS!!!
I got these for my daughter's 8th birthday in Feb, and now (end of April) they continue to be used virtually every day.It is a little difficult at first to figure out who needs how many bands.(My children range from 3-16, the 3 year old doesn't do well without help.)But now, they all know how many bands they need.I recently purchased 5 more pair to have on hand for some birthday parties that my children will be attending.

GS
You do not boince really high,but it feels like your bouncing high.you get very tired using them.

Back away from the Moon Shoes...
First of all, I am a 13 year old girl weighing 155 pounds.When I got the moon shoes I was 12, with a size 10 shoe- that was the first mistake, anyone with over a size 8 1/2 womens shoes size is going to have a fun time trying to put those on.Size 10 is totally out of the question-you're toes hangover the end, so you're toes bend back everytime you take a bounce.Secondly if you weigh over 135 pounds, you barely get a foot in the air.Just to clear this up; these shoes are only for younger kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Play   

Reviews (20)

GREAT Butterfly Kit!
I have been rasing butterflies for 5 years and I LOVE this kit! It's so cool to see them chow down on their nutrient and then change into a chrysalis. I have a suggestion:DO NOT move your caterpillars around a lot, they are delicate and when moved too much, it kills them. Keep them in a quiet, warm place and watch and learn! I have chrysalids right now and they are almost ready to hatch! Tip: mist your chrysalids every other day. This increses the chance that they'll emerge healthy!

Wonderful--Raise generations of butterflies!
My son (age 5) got this from his grandparents for Christmas and it has been terrific fun for all of us.The first set of ten caterpillars grew visibly day-by-day, then pupated and emerged as butterflies in a few weeks.There is a lot of great information about painted lady and other butterfly species online and having this project got my son very interested in how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly so soon I found myself showing him multi-colored pictures of imaginal discs (the larval structures that produce the butterfly wing, leg etc. during metamorphosis) online at websites I found--a great way to get him interested in developmental biology.The first time we talked about this he decided they were actually "magical discs", given what these groups of cells can do...the whole process has been very entertaining for the whole family....It is also really fun to have butterflies flitting around and caterpillars growing in the pavilion in the kitchen when it is gray and wintery outside.

How to raise more than one generation of critters inside:
Since we sent our coupon for larvae out immediately after Christmas, we had butterflies dancing around the pavilion and mating in February when there were no plants outside to collect for the next generation of caterpillars to eat.Anticipating this, I ordered a mallow plant and some additional larval food from Carolina Biological Supply Company at about the time when our caterpillars turned into chrysalises:there is an online store and the stuff to get is the L918 culture medium (144040).This will feed about 80 larvae.(Unfortunately the Insect Lore company, which makes the Pavilion, only sells caterpillar food in small quantities along with additional larvae, which we certainly didn't need).

How to do it:We set the mallow plant in the pavilion and the butterflies laid their eggs on the leaves where we could watch them darken and emerge as very tiny 1mm long new caterpillars.After 4-5 days of watching the caterpillars eat the mallow plant (making little tracks on the leaves) we prepared them new homes in caterpillar media.To do this, you can use either the original plastic containers that the first generation larvae are shipped in (clean them out and dish wash them) or use another small clear-sided plastic or glass jar with a lid.Clean the containers well (I wiped the inside with a paper towel with isopropyl alcohol on it after dishwashing to kill bacteria, which will contaminate the food and make the larvae sick).The food will come in two plastic containers (nearly full).One of these can be frozen for subsequent generations.Transfer the contents of one container to a covered microwaveable container and heat on medium in the microwave (swirling every 10-30 seconds to mix and avoid overheating) until it is a solution.Pour media into the bottoms of the larvae containers to a depth of about a quarter inch (this will make 4-5 new containers).If there is a lot of condensation on the sides after the media has hardened, you can wipe this away with a paper towel--I did this, but then again alcohol-wiped the inside solid surfaces and lid above the media.Cover the containers loosely (leave the lid slightly ajar) and put them somewhere to dry.I laid a clean paper towel over the collection of covered jars to keep dust/dirt from drifting in given the activity level of the children here.After a couple days of drying, these were ready for larvae.If necessary (ie., if not using the previously shipped containers) make very, very small air holes in the lid.Then use a toothpick or matchstick to collect each 2-4 mm long larva off of the mallow plant leaves and tap to drop them into the new container.Put a clean paper towel over the top of the container (under the lid) and re-cap the jar--now the paper will serve as a scaffold for new chrysalises to hang from and will allow air in while preventing the tiny caterpillars from escaping.Try to be relatively aseptic about this.

It appears that we're going to get about 20-30 new caterpillars from the first generation, which I should be able to accommodate with the larvae cups made above...hopefully by the time we've run out of this food and been through a couple more generations it will be summer and warm enough to release all of the butterflies we have outside.The pavilion is well made and sturdy enough that it should accommodate many other projects involving insects.All in all, we've been entirely pleased with this--a great gift that's had my son on the phone describing his butterflies' recent development to grandma and grandpa several times!

One more tip:the adult butterflies seem to become upended on the floor of the pavillion at times while they are flapping around and have trouble gaining traction to right themselves on the slick nylon surface.This shortened the lives of several of ours until I saw it happening and put some packing material (like easter straw) in there for them to stand on.

Wonderful for child and parent
My two daughters, ages 5 and 8, each received one of these as a Christmas present.We sent away for the caterpillars and they arrived in one week.I have to admit that even I, as an adult, really enjoyed watching the progress of the caterpillars as they transformed into beautiful butterflies.My only compaint is that we weren't prepared when two of the butterflies became entangled in the webbing surrounding the cocoon.There was nothing in the instructions about what to do so we had to watch the butterflies suffer until they finally died from exhaustion.We told the kids that it was simply part of nature.Other than that, what a great experience! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Bugs   

Reviews (2)

Fun for a little girl!
This is a great set of costumes for a little princess.As one might expect, everything, from the plastic jewelry (a couple of the earrings don't stay together well) to the sheer dresses, is pretty cheap, but I wasn't terribly disappointed with the quality in light of the variety of items included.What's nice about the set is that there is a variety - not just one outfit to try on then discard.My 2 year old daughter tried on 5 different "looks" upon opening the box and mastered the "glass slippers" in minutes.

The castle top of the box is a bit flimsy and I don't expect it to last long, but it added to the excitement of opening the package the first time.

Value for the money?Well, with price plus tax and shipping, I think it's a bit overpriced, but it is significantly cheaper than the Disney set, and my daughter doesn't know the difference.If it's a light blue dress, it's Cinderella, whether it's Disney or not!

My daughter loves this!
My daughter is 3 years old, she got the Dress-up Trunk for her birthday. She loves it! The clothes smell a little weird when you first open the Trunk, but it goes away soon after. I would say it's worth the money. ... Read more

Features

• Customize dance steps in Edit mode and exercise in Work Out mode
• Links with previous games for special features
• For 1 or 2 players
• All-new exclusive songs, licensed songs and dance hits
• New game modes and graphical interface featuring music videos

Reviews (121)

Much better than seditary gaming!
I love this, I still don't understand how anyone can actually do the advanced levels (seems impossible to me).The thing that I'm not sure about is if it will save info for 2 players?Overall fun and a good workout for body and mind and spirit.

"Patrick Swayze Would have been proud of me"
Last Friday, my aunt Chris and uncle Chris (no joking they have the same exact name; on a side note though, for laughs I like to call uncle Chris aunt Chris, lol)came into town to go to some formal dinner of some sorts with Mom and Dad. I was supposed to go to 9 Mile with Lyle and look at guitars with him but Mom and Dad said I had to baby-sit Chris and Chris's 12 year old daughter (my cousin) Trisha.

She was kind of spoiled but that's what happens to most only children. Anywho, she brought over this new virtual reality game for the PS2 called Dance Dance Revolution 2. Whereas the point is to stand on these pads and, you guessed it dance. Lyle ended staying over to keep me company while bratty Trisha played with her High Brow toy. She ended up having two of those virtual reality pads so two people could play. When she offered, Lyle immediately stated, "NO WAY, those are strictly for girls and Asian guys", I quickly followed his lead to save face with him (he was a little irritated that we had to skip guitar browsing, so I didn't want to push it).

Around 10:30 Trisha went to bed so Lyle and I watched Black Dog (a great Patrick Swayze movie, by the way), Lyle went to bed right after the movie ended, but I told him I wanted to stay up a little bit to practice my harmonica. After about 15 minutes when I thought he would be a sleep, I kind of betrayed him and turned on Dance Dance. I played and it grew on me really quick. Before I knew it, I was dancing like my feet were on fire. After about twenty minutes I thought how fun it would be to go head on head with someone else. Since I dared not to wake up Lyle or Trisha, I had an ingenious idea.

What I did was I boxed in the second pad with the couch, loveseat, and chairs, then I tied a bog biscuit to a string and hung it from the light fixture above the pad. Then I woke up Morris (my dog) and did a quick grappling bout with him to riel him up. When I found him ready enough I put him in the furniture enclosure and showed him the dog biscuit. The match was on! We played straight for about a half-hour. I danced like there was no tomorrow while he jumped up and down trying to get the treat that was just inches from his grip. In the end I pretty much annilatted Morris, I think he only beat me like once.

In conclusion, Virtual Reality is finally starting to show some promise. It's been a long road for it. I just hope the world can show the future generations of virtual reality the tolerance and acceptance that Morris, Trisha, and I have.

Now at the Review writing section it asked me 2 questions.The first was "How much fun is this game?".Well thats easy.It is a Tuttleman approved 5 stars of fun.The second question was "How do you rate this game overall?".The problem is that I could never admit to Lyle that I actually liked this crazy contraption.Do you know how many cool points I would lose if Lyle knew I was (for one night only) a solid-gold lord of the dance with feet of fire!?ALL OF THEM.So I'm rating it 1 star over-all, just in case Lyle asks me what I rated it.That way I won't technically be lying to Lyle.Later.

DDR Rocks!
This game is fun, addicting, and healthy for you! DDR Max 2 is well worth its price. Although most of the songs in it are not all that common, the music selection is still pretty good and I would recomend this game for any beginners in the world of DDR.

It teaches you the basics and also allows you to choose harder options for those of whom are already hooked to the arcade version. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. PS2 (PSX2)    3. Sony Playstation (Play station) 2    4. Playstation2 (Play station2)    5. Classics (Classic)    6. Retro   

Reviews (8)

So much better than a gameboy!
My first grader loves this game/toy. It is great for rainy days or car rides (especially with headphones) and it isn't just an empty gaming experience as it is all learning based.Sad but true, I've even learned a few social studies facts that I should have known as a 1st or 2nd grader!!!The head to head game is a lot of fun and my daughter really loves to beat Dad at that.
Bottom line, it is entertaining, it is educational, and my daughter enjoys playing it. In fact, she has asked for the next higher grade level cartridge...and I am only too happy to oblige!

Finally - All in One!Great Toy!
We really like the multi-subject format, as my son was asking for multiple Turbo Twists (Spelling, Math, Fact Blaster), and that wasn't going to happen.It holds his attention, and in fact, the adults pick it up and play with it as well.Very happy with this product - glad Santa brought it! They just need to come out with a carrying case of some sort, so we stop misplacing the cartridges!

A Fun Way to Learn
My first grader really likes this.I wish the screen was in color and had a backlight but the adjustable volume is wonderful!I'm learning a few things from this toy too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Reading    4. Games    5. Talking    6. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    7. Electronic    8. Alphabet   

Reviews (3)

Gundam NT-1
I must say, if your a gundam enthusiast, you have to get this model.This Skill Level 7 was my first and it took me about 3 hours.One completed I was very pleased with how it turned out. So many parts of articulation and the oerall durability was excellent.Though I wouldn't recommend playing with this, it is a model.Overall I gave it a five.

The least favored Master Grade kit...
You might like it or hate it. I don't really know. I have one and I am not quite sure about it. The detail of the kit is rather mush compared to other 1/100th scale Master Grade Gundam kits from Bandai. You really need to paint (preferably with an airbrush) it to make it look cooler. And, no. It's a model kit not a toy. It's so fragile that you don't want to play with it.

The Cool Toy
This is a great toy.People who enjoy building models,well this is the model for you.It stands up tall and does not fall over.I had a lot of fun making this toy.I know you will too.It is a fair price and it is well worth it.Buy it! You will be satified! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Anime   

Editorial Review

For kids who want to experience the magic of growing their own garden, this kit is a fun andinventive experience. It contains everything you need to grow a small terrarium complete with an entirecommunity of tiny fantastical inhabitants. Paint the special planter with the paints (three primary colorsincluded), fill with soil, and then plant the enclosed beans and grass seeds. Then it's time to arrange the tinyfairy cottage, use the green pebbles to make a tiny path, and decorate the garden with the rocks, shells, and plastic animals that come with the kit. As the beans sprout and grow, you can cut and shape them sothey look like miniature trees--and for variety, add pepper, lemon, cantaloupe, and tomato seeds and watchjust what comes up. --John Longenbaugh ... Read more

Reviews (20)

AWESOME GARDEN!
I bought this for my 5 year old for christmas, and she had a ball painting the planter and then planting the seeds. Once it started to grow, we have had a ton of fun trimming and caring for the garden.I let her play with her polly pocket dolls on it because it belongs to her and she uses it as her "enchanted fairyland."So what if a little dirt gets on the floor, it cleans up.This is by far one of the few times I have not felt like I wasted my money.My 8 year old son even likes to be the landscaper.

garden
according to my 10 year old daughter"This little garden is a great thing to have . I love coming home from school each day and seeing how it had grown since morning. It grows so fast you almost don't have to wait. the grass comes up fast and the beans soon follow.it looks cute in the window . I love it !! "

Erin"s Jungle
I bought this for Xmas for my 6 yr. granddaughter. I wanted to have something to do while I was visting, and that she could enjoy once I went home. I let her do it herself. Grass and beans were planted wherever she decided. Of course she planted both everwhere. Within 2days the grass was up. The beans appeared the next day.My son just sent me a picture. The grass is taller than the house and the beans are everywhere. You can hardly see the house. I laughed my socks off. She doesn't want to cut the grass. Now if I could find out what grass they used,maybe I could get some to grow in my yard. Great gift. She invites her friend over to view the jungle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Pretend Play    3. Gardening    4. Arts and Crafts    5. Craft Kits   

Features

• The Spider-Man & The Sinister Six Gift Pack.
• This Gift Pack includes seven 6-inch action figures in a single package.
• Includes: Spider-Man, Dr. Octopus, Green Goblin, Venom, Black Cat, Electro and Kraven.
• Spider-Man features 45 points of articulation Dr. Octopus features 14 points of articulation Green Goblin features 23 points of articulation Venom features 40 points of articulation Black Cat features 40 points of articulation Electro features 26 points of articulation Kraven features 26 points of articulation

Reviews (5)

Cons and Pros
While a good set for chasing down hard to find figures like Green Goblin (which is why I wanted this set) or Electro. The Figures are good if you don't plan to take it out of the box. But if you try to play around with the articulation you'll find they're not as durable as it could be.

Green Goblin for one has both his arms badly supported that if you movie it too much from the torso the 1 thin piece of plastic that's supporting both arms would come loose.

I had a problem again with the durability of Spider-Man. Usually when you buy a new action figure you have to literally break into it cause most of these Marvel Legends figures have really stiff joints that you hav to turn and you'll feel a click inorder to loosen it and pose it. Well, everything was fine till one of the arms refused to rotate and and instead the arm tore off. I had to reconnect it by making a small hole between the forearm and upper part of the arm and using the metal part of a push-pun to reconnect it.

Another con is not all the figures are fully articulate like most of the Marvel Legends figures are like Doc Ock has the least beside the deltoid muscles being fully articulate, the rest of the figure's articulation is just like the old 90s Marvel figure.
Green Gobline also lack articulation on the hand and wrist, the pro to that is though is his hands are really well sculpted.

The best figure in the set with no problems is Venom which uses a repainted Marvel Legends Sabretooth body with full articulation which is a step up from the regular Spiderman line Venom and Electro is well sculpted and fully articulate.

The worst figures are probably Kraven the Hunter and Blackcat.

Overall there are cons and pros to this set. You'll have to weigh it out yourself.

Spidey and the Sinister Five
This would be one wicked set if it wasn't for the Black Cat. I was excited that the Cat was getting a Marvel Legend figure and it looked good while it was still in the box. Once I took it out I was disappointed. It is simply overarticulated so that it won't even stay standing with it's base. The rest of the figures in this set were great. Electro is easily my favorite,the articulation on this figure is perfect and the likeness is spot on.

Buyer Beware!
I had trouble with the Green Goblin figure in which the hand/forearm separated from his arm.At each point of articulation it seems that whatever is used to "finish" the piece causes it to stick.The Goblin's arm separated at this "point of articulation".No problem; I'll just ask Toy Biz to replace the piece for me because it was clearly defective.However, after speaking with a customer service rep, I was offered given the "choice" to send the entire set of all seven figures back.BUT, the customer service rep said that I may NOT receive a Spiderman & the Sinister Six set back.It could be replaced with another set such as the Fantastic Four.What a bunch of baloney!Who would replace a defective product with something out of their grab bag?!I bought this set and I want THIS set!They are great figures but I can guarantee that the "points of articulation" will also stick on your set and one of yours may even separate.Then line up in the "Suckers" line behind me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action Figures    2. Collectible Action Figures   

Reviews (8)

Great Pool, but not that easy to fold up
I give this pool 5 stars! It is not easy to fold up at all! It does not deter me from using it. You blow up a small ring & it fills up fast. There is a plug underneath for draining, but it works better if you prop something under the pool next to the hole for more efficiant draining... otherwise it drains very slow.

dimentions
I just saw this pool in a catalog - same exact for $40.00 - the dimentions are 60 inches round by 1 foot deep.I decided to come to this site to see if Toys R Us had it any cheaper - and it's 1/2 the price I will be purchasing it right now!

dimensions?
Does anyone know the dimensions of this pool, nothing is listed in product description anywhere? Is it still a nice pool even though some cannot get it folded up? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Play    2. Pools   

Reviews (27)

Don't buy a Leapster without one!
I was scanning through the Leapster games looking for something new for my daughter and noticed that this rechargable battery kit didn't have a perfect 5 stars.I was shocked!It has been *fabulous* for us!I got my daughter her Leapster last October (for her 3rd birthday) with this rechargable kit and she's been using it frequently ever since. It was a very easy install for me...just take off the old back and put the new setup on.It sets easily on the cradle, although I do wiggle it a bit after I set it down to make sure it has a good connection.I'm not sure if I need to do it, but I do it out of habit just in case.

I personally have not noticed any problems with the light going out before the unit has fully charged, but I don't watch it closely either.It must be working correctly though, because the charge lasts AMAZINGLY long, which I find incredible for this kind of a unit.I expected to have to charge it every few days, but it's been more like every MONTH OR TWO!My daughter gets daily use out of her Leapster, but it's only during car trips (maybe 30-45 minutes per day).Nonetheless, that's pretty incredible battery power in my opinion.

My son is quite jealous of his older sister's Leapster, and I can see now that I will be buying another one soon.I can assure you I will NOT be buying one without this recharging kit however!

leapster recharging system
I love this product.We had no problems at all installing and using.I recently bought a second leapster for my younger son (the fighting was outrageous) and was pretty upset about not being able to buy battery packs and the recharger backs separately.I read the manual and it mentioned that after 300 charges or so the battery pack will lose power and need to be replaced.Folks, this means that we have to buy a whole new recharging system.I called the company and they told me that the market reasearch found that it wasn't "cost effective" to sell the batteries by themselves???That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.What are we to do with the extra dock and back?Throw them in the landfill???
I think that Leapfrog has done wonders to the toy industry.My children own just about everything that they have produced.I have been very happy with everything we've tried but, I do find this issue disturbing.Having to buy an entire new recharging system because you need new battries is neither cost effective or environmentaly friendly.I believe that we should all contact the company and get this isssue changed.Besides that, it is a fantastic accessory.A definate must have for any leapster owner.

Burned Up Unit!!
This item we *thought* would be an awesome alternative to batteries but it wasn't! After a few weeks of using it, it actually burnt up my daughters Leapster, We were able to exchange the Leapster threw the company but still out the $25.00 we paid for the charger when we got it. I am not sure if I am going to purchase another one either. Company says there has been a handful of complaints about them...we will see if they actually upgrade them before I do actually buy a replacement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Alphabet